How to fight the winter blues

You know what this is about. It’s that time of year when it’s perpetually dark. You leave work or class and its dark. It’s hard to get out of bed most mornings because it’s cold and dark., and you start to lack some of the energy and motivation to do the activities in your regular routine. These are what I call the winter blues. Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one who struggles with this every year. It can be hard but here are a few tips to help you combat the dark days.

• Open the shades – When you wake up in the morning, and you’re lucky enough that it is light out, open up the shades and stare out your window for a minute to soak up some light. This can help jump start your day.

• Stretch – A few minutes of stretching in the morning or at night can help alleviate some stress and may lift your spirits.

• Take a walk outside – If you work or are in class all day, try to carve out some time to take a middle of the day walk. The sunlight and fresh air will do wonders and not to mention, we could all use a mental break for a few minutes each day.

• Exercise –This one may be hard to do especially when you feel like you’re lacking the energy. What is surprising though is how much better you’ll feel once you get going and when you’re done. JUST DO IT! You won’t regret it.

• Talk to a friend - Depression, even if it's just temporary, is a serious issue. If you're feeling blue, talk to a friend. Sharing your feelings may help you refocus. If you feel like your sadness continues to affect your daily life though, seek out professional help.

Comeback of the Year Meets Comeback of the New Millennium

Am I the only twenty something that feels like since I graduated college my life has just come to one big screeching halt?

Somewhere amidst the confusion and panic of joining the 'real world', I seem to have forgotten the plan. The once ambitious co-ed with stars in her eyes has become a cynical and at times pleasure hungry has-been. 

In a way I feel like we were forced into it. After spending thousands of dollars on our college educations we felt compelled to take the first 'real job' offer we received and fast forward 12 to 24 months later and look at us. 

We're pale, fat, sporting dark roots and wearing Target flats. At least I am. (Desperate measures to try and fit in at my office.) (But really i'm just broke.)

For the past year I've been telling myself that I was doing what I had to do in order to financially survive. But instead, looking back, I feel that all I've been doing is sweeping my passions and goals under the rug. I've dug myself so deep into a monotonous & mediocre lifestyle that in recent weeks I've feared I would never find my way out. 

But as cliche as it sounds, It is a brand new year and tomorrow is a brand new day and I don't care what it takes, I will claw my nails that haven't seen a manicure in months out of this quarter life crisis kicking and screaming to get where I want to be in life. 

For me the changes I want to make in 2013 aren't just about finding my ideal career or losing weight, or what have you, but they're about getting myself.....happy, making me feel centered and proud of my accomplishments.

In lieu of the changes I intend to make I've created a list of inspirational to-do's, if you're looking forward to upping the ante this year I suggest taking notes. 

 1. Get healthy. I really take this one to heart. There is nothing that drags me down more than being severely hungover on the couch at 3 pm on Saturday half way through a large order of Chinese take-out. Yet I've done this almost every weekend for the past 6 months. I've decided to spend the next 12 weeks sticking to a healthy diet, which excludes all alcoholic beverages and soda. I'll also be tracking everything I put into my mouth on my Fitness Pal app, and I'll be spending at least 4 days a week in the gym. 2 days of weight training, 2 days of cardio. (More detail on this later)

2. Make your home your happy place. Organize closets and drawers. (Put your summer clothes in storage, make a pile of things you never wear and consign them or drop them off at the Salvation Army, pitch things that you no longer need like year old magazines, etc). Doing so will help you to free up space for the things that are happening in your life now. 

3. Make a budget. This is one of my least favorite things to do, but it has happen. Switch to a 0% interest Credit Card like the CITI Diamond Preferred card to prevent unnecessary interest on must-have purchases to prevent yourself from going further into debt. Use the next few quiet winter months while not that much is going on to just relax on the spending so you'll have more money for summer trips, events.

4. Keep a journal of things that you are thankful for. I try to do this daily, on the train on the way to work I try and boost the positive vibes by going through and thinking of everyone and everything in my life that I AM thankful for, its also a good idea to do this before bed. Thinking about all of the greatness in your life with only attract more greatness towards you. 

5. Give as much effort to being available to family and friends as necessary. Typically I shut off after the long work day or week and I really want to try and invest more of my time spending it with people that make me happy. 

6. Really focus in on what you're goals are. In addition to keeping a 'thankful for' journal, I believe that jotting down your goal intentions is also beneficial. It will help you to keep a plan going so that you always have your eye on the prize. Whether its a complete job transition, promotion, or just a passion that makes you happy, go for it and really make it a priority in your life. 

Please feel free to share any ideas you have on how to make this our best year ever. Now lets kick some ass.